City's Sen. McFadden taken to hospital, released

Michael Dresser, The Baltimore Sun

Sen. Nathaniel McFadden, the dean of Baltimore's Senate delegation, fell ill at the State House Thursday morning and was taken from the Senate lounge on a gurney.

McFadden, 66, was sitting upright and appeared alert as emergency medical workers took him to Anne Arundel Medical Center for evaluation. Senate staff members said McFadden, who as president pro tem fills in when Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller is off the podium, reported feeling light-headed after presiding after over part of the morning Senate session.

McFadden's office said the senator had been battling the flu this week and that his blood pressure had become elevated. His office said Thursday afternoon that McFadden had been released and that he is expected back at work Monday.

The senator, vice chairman of the powerful Budget and Taxation Committee, has represented East Baltimore's 45th District since 1995.